Fantasy Mononoke&Makina Archives「 Lore Information 」

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「 Take the time to read and understand the lore of this roleplay as not only will it help you build a high-quality character but will assist in maintaining an immersive experience as you explore the story and world. 」​

MAKINA IN-DEPTH GUIDE

Samurai candidates can only bond with an inactive Makina, still encased in its pod. Makina awakened not by the hands of a human or one devoid of a master are considered 'rogue' and are prone to act violently against humans; therefore they must be eliminated. Not every person can awaken or bond with a Makina and the ownership of a non-rogue Makina cannot be transferred to another. The mechanism behind these are not known even to the machines themselves. In fact, it seems all Makina suffer from some form of memory loss that constitutes vital information—'data corruption' as they call it.

Makina are effectively genderless as they possess no reproductive parts, but their physical features are typically taken into account when addressing them. They are naked upon first awakening, which explains why all Makina wear Japanese clothing.

A Makina's most important parts are its 'Ghost' and brain. The Ghost is what the Japanese people colloquially call the Makina's operating core located within the center of their chest. It appears as a glowing orb of varying color dependent upon the individual machine. The term 'Ghost' was used because it reminded people of a Hitodama and the name stuck. Apparently, this part provides the Makina with power to function. The brain—located in the head—is formally called a 'central processing unit' or 'CPU' by the Makina. If either part is destroyed completely, the Makina dies. They can, however, self-repair damages depending on the degree of injuries sustained.

*Makina seem devoid of any real personality traits. If they do have one, it's incredibly fundamental. They act cold and analytical for the most part. Even with their bonded samurai, any change in their base characteristics comes off as artificial and insincere. Consequently, many people view them more as tools than anything resembling a human. Makina are granted names by their samurai as any given designation by the former consists of strange runes illegible to the Japanese populace.

The basic Makina battle functions include: the provision of both a melee and ranged weapon, and the allowance of their bonded samurai to utilize a variety of potent powers and magic. These abilities are referred to as 'advanced science and technologies' by the Makina, but this distinction is lost on the samurai. Another function is the ability to transform into a suit of armor, however, not many samurai can access this power. This armor provides a samurai with an unparalleled boost in their abilities. Makina can additionally use any of these functions independent of and alongside their master.

*OOC: This is only the case initially. This will change shortly after the start of the roleplay.​

YOMI DEMONS

In stark contrast to their Makina counterparts, Yomi demons exist in more bestial forms; with many directly designed after fauna that exists in Japan and its neighboring landmasses during this time period. The naming convention used by the Japanese people to describe demons is very simplistic, opting to name demons by their outward appearance i.e. Centipede Demon or Tiger Demon. There are certain demons that are humanoid in appearance but they do not resemble humans in any significant ways.

Currently, no demons have been found with the ability to speak the human tongue. In fact, most seem to act purely on instinct and their singular objective is the destruction of humankind. They will attack any and all organic human beings within their presence. Strangely, they are not provoked by Makina unless one takes the initiative to attack, only then will demons have no qualms about eliminating the threat.

Demons are equipped with a multitude of weapons and powers similar to Makina; although most demons' abilities don't seem to be as intricate in comparison. It seems part of a Makina's 'data corruption' includes their knowledge of demons and their origins so research into these mechanized monstrosities have been slow for the most part.

Another difference between demons and Makina is their internal organs. While the latter have their Ghosts and brains separated, demons, on the other hand, possess a single centralized core within their bodies that functions as both. The location of said core changes depending on the species of demon. That said, destroying this one part will immediately kill any demon.​

THE TALE OF THE SNOW-HAIRED MAKINA & THE DRIPPING SWORD

An urban legend has been spreading in many human settlements located closest to the dividing line. The tale is as followed:

"Haunting these lands is a rogue Makina of snow-white hair and ethereal visage. It moves like a phantom in the night and to be in its presence is to suffer winter's cold grasp. It leaves a katana in a shallow stream and waits for any unfortunate enough to come across the solitary blade. If you see a sword in a stream, do not dare to retrieve it, for the sword is a cursed object. If after half a minute, the sword does not cease dripping with water: it is likely that the snow-haired Makina is near. Flee as you might, but this Makina is quicker than Raijin's lightning. By now, your fate is sealed. Yomi calls for you."​

KURAKAWA SHOGUNATE

• Key Figures: Kurakawa no Byakuya (Shogun); Fujihito (Emperor)
• Objectives: Govern the remaining vestiges of the Japanese people and discover a way to rid the land of Yomi's curse.
• Affiliations: Samurai; Yatagarasu Watchmen

The current governing body of Japan that operates out of Kyoto—the country's capital. Kyoto was once located in the Kansai region but due to the looming threat of Yomi's curse, the capital has been moved further in to the Chūgoku region. In name only, the new capital is a large port city where the manufacturing of ships occur daily in order to ready the Japanese people in the event that they'll need to abandon their home. However, the shogun is a shrewd and proud man who prefers facing this problem head-on. Amassing troops and samurai capable of partnering with Makina, he seeks a method of purging the verdant plague. Emperor Fujihito, meanwhile, is nestled safely in the capital with no real power to his name and is beholden to the shogun's wishes.​

YATAGARASU WATCHMEN

• Key Figures: Taira Ahiko (Commander); Makoto Murasakishima (Captain); Tsubasa Yashida (Captain)
• Objectives: Track the progress of Yomi's curse and conduct research into it, and defend the dividing line from demons and rogue Makina.
• Affiliations: Kurakawa Shogunate; Samurai

Established shortly after the start of the Kurakawa shogunate in 1568, the Yatagarasu Watchmen is an order consisting of samurai, conscripted troops, researchers, and volunteers from all over. Their outposts are typically located along the dividing line that separates Yomi from the rest of Japan. Orders are typically relayed from the central command post where most of the key members operate within a massive stronghold. The watch often employs slash-and-burn tactics to impede the progression of the overgrowth, and, all the while, researchers work tirelessly to understand the cause of the plague. Taira Ahiko is the current commander of the watch; he, himself, being one of the first samurai to be bonded with a Makina.​

KIN-IRO NO KOPAI

• Key Figures: Botan Furuyama (Guildmaster); Ōtofu (Founder / Former Guildmaster)
• Objectives: Increase their power and influence through economic ventures.
• Affiliations: Yatagarasu Watchmen

Their name roughly translates to 'Gilded Bone Ash', they are a guild of merchants operating throughout Japan including territories within Yomi itself. Adventurous and without fear, they traverse Yomi to procure anything that may be profitable. They hire freelancing samurai with Makina to protect their merchants and, from all accounts, they're compensated very well for their service. Their agents can be found roaming the lands, selling provisions and other interesting trinkets to any and all travelers interested. They also frequently sell their wares to the Yatagarasu Watchmen and established a good relationship with them as a result. Their headquarters is located in Kyoto but the guildmaster is always up and about so he is ever rarely to be found there. For the time being, he has stationed himself at Yatagarasu central command.​

REITEN

• Key Figures: Unknown
• Objectives: Create a new world order after the 'transformation' of Japan by Yomi's curse.
• Affiliations: None

A cult-like organization operating within Yomi's borders. They seek to become the singular ruling force in Japan in the wake of the apocalypse. They believe that Yomi's curse is a beautiful event and worships Izanami as a result. They once attempted to invade the southern lands but was beaten back by the shogun's army and the Yatagarasu watch. Forced to retreat further within Yomi, they now bide their time and wait for the curse to spread its roots. Members of Reiten have found ways to surgically infused their bodies with parts from demons, granting them power comparable to Makina. Recent rumor has it that rogue Makina and even demons can now be found among their rank. Is it possible that they have found a way to control such machines?​

NOMADIC CLANS

• Key Figures: Varies
• Objectives: Survive within Yomi territory.
• Affiliations: Varies

While too de-centralized to be considered a single faction, the various nomadic clans inhabiting the territories of Yomi are to be noted. While they may share a similar lifestyle, the cultures between any two clans may differ wildly. No one is entirely sure how they manage to survive in such a hostile environment teeming with threats as each clan is purported to be very small in population size and are, more often than not, extremely reclusive. However, reports from samurai wandering Yomi claims that clans they have encountered seem fairly hospitable or, at least, non-threatening. The shogunate have forbidden these clans from entering the southern lands due to overpopulation concerns.​

 

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HUMAN

Unyielding Flame Rages

Kurakawa no Byakuya

倉河白夜

Alive

Male

35

6'02" (188 cm) / 158 lbs (72 kg)

Shogun

Kurakawa Shogunate; Samurai; Yatagarasu Watchmen

Profile

The shogun and de facto leader of Japan. Byakuya is known to be an incredibly shrewd and cunning man driven by an indominable spirit. He rose to power at the tender age of fifteen after the premature death of his father, Kurakawa no Taiyō. In contrast to his father who was gentle and soft-spoken, Byakuya took after his grandfather—the progenitor of the Kurakawa shogunate—inheriting his fierce and fiery demeanor.

Although he honors the memories of his father, Byakuya believed him to be a weak man who would've not been capable of freeing their country from the accursed plague of Izanami. Likewise, Byakuya thinks of the current emperor in a similar fashion, which is why he has seized control of the government in order to enact his own plans to save Japan. Despite viewing the act of abandoning their home as cowardly, Byakuya is no fool and has ordered as many ships as possible to be built daily so that there is a contingency in the event that Yomi overtakes everything.

A great warrior in his own right, Byakuya supposedly has never been beaten in a fight although the nature of his work often prevents him from participating in actual combat.

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MAKINA

Mirror Facing Mirror

Kyo and Mugen

虚と無限

Alive

Female

26

5'03" (160 cm) / 110 lbs (50 kg)

Bonded Makina (Kurakawa no Byakuya)

Kurakawa Shogunate

Profile

Known as the 'Twin Blades of the Shogun', Kyo and Mugen are seldom ever seen apart and their personalities tend to mirror one another. They typically behave in a highly reserved and taciturn manner; usually not participating in any conversations unless they were spoken to first. They diligently follow the commands of their bonded samurai—Kurakawa no Byakuya—without seeing the need to voice their own opinions.

They are incredibly powerful Makina with each wielding an individual katana which Byakuya can dual-wield when he fights. Kyo wields a pure white-bladed katana while Mugen possesses one with a pure black blade. About two-thirds of the way along either swords' blunted edge is a shorter secondary blade protruding vertically. They're about the length of a small knife and can be used to stab and hook into an opponent's flesh.

When they were awakened, the two Makina shared a singular pod that was in storage within the emperor's castle.

Parameters

Resilience: 3 / 5

Strength: 3 / 5

Speed: 3 / 5

Processing: 5 / 5

Ability: 5+ / 5

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Puppet Ruler

Fujihito

藤仁

Alive

Male

29

5'10" (178 cm) / 131 lbs (59 kg)

Emperor of Japan

Kurakawa Shogunate

Profile

A man resigned to his own weakness, Fujihito serves as the current emperor of Japan, although that is in name only. Having grown up alongside the current shogun, Byakuya, Fujihito sees him as a older brother and a respected figure. Lacking in both skill and interest in the political realm, Fujihito implored Byakuya to do as needs for the sake of their beloved country. Consequently, Byakuya took the opportunity to seize control of every facet of the government, reducing Fujihito to little more than a figurehead.

Despite this, the latter is not resentful of the situation as he understands his own rule would've been a weak one and, perhaps, filled with strife for his people. Instead, he looks to Byakuya as the one to lead the country through these tumultuous times. His only wish is to live long enough to see a Japan relinquished from its curse and the forces of Yomi defeated.

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HUMAN

Oldest Man Alive

Taira Ahiko

平 • 亜彦

Alive

Male

128

5'07" (170 cm) / 135 lbs (61 kg)

Commander of the Yatagarasu Watchmen; Samurai

Yatagarasu Watchmen; Kurakawa Shogunate; Samurai

Profile

The sagacious and jovial commander of the Yatagarasu Watchmen, he was born in a time before Yomi's curse and watched it unfold when he was already in his middle age. All of his life he's been a samurai—having been born to a historic clan of warriors. He was also one of the first few to awaken a Makina. Because of his reputation and collective wisdom gain from living such a long life, when the Yatagarasu Watchmen was formed, Taira was offered the position of leader and commander of the watch to which he gladly accepted.

He plans to stubbornly serve his country to the very end—whenever that may come. It is unknown to even himself how he has managed to live so long and is still able to deftly swing a sword. Having no wife or children of his own, Taira views the members of the watch as his own family and cares deeply for those under his command. Even to strangers he seems hospitable and welcoming. Unsurprisingly, he is universally well-liked and respected among those of the watch.

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MAKINA

Phantom Walking Behind

Yūrei

幽霊

Alive

Male

Age Unknown

6'05" (196 cm) / 188 lbs (85 kg)

Bonded Makina (Taira Ahiko)

Yatagarasu Watchmen

Profile

The enigmatic Makina of Taira Ahiko, he is always seen silently following the commander where ever he goes. Very little is known about him but, according to Commander Ahiko, his pod was found in an old marsh some time in the late 1500's. The pair have fought alongside each other for decades and have naturally developed a rapport where communication isn't needed in battle; where trust is implicit. No one aside from Commander Ahiko knows what Yūrei truly looks like under his heavy garments. Some unscrupulous rumors have it that the commander sends out his Makina on secretive assassination missions at the behest of the shogun, despite his honorable front.

Parameters

Resilience: 4 / 5

Strength: 3 / 5

Speed: 3 / 5

Processing: 4 / 5

Ability: 4 / 5

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HUMAN

Proud Daughter of a Hero

Makoto Murasakishima

誠 • 紫島

Alive

Female

22

5'04" (163 cm) / 116 lbs (53 kg)

Yatagarasu Watch Captain; Samurai

Yatagarasu Watchmen; Kurakawa Shogunate; Samurai

Profile

Born to a long lineage of renown samurai, Makoto dreamt of becoming a great warrior just like her father, Musashi. However, her mother saw things differently and wished for her daughter to behave like a proper noblewoman and to one day marry into a similar household. But, even as a child, Makoto's rebellious and stubborn nature proved too much for anyone to handle. She refused to learn anything from the servants hired to teach her etiquette and the other responsibilities required of her.

Her father on the other hand supported whatever ambitions she had and personally trained her in how to wield a sword. When the cultists of Reiten decided to attack the southern border, Makoto's father was the first to join in on the frontlines. But tragedy struck, and the samurai known as Musashi Murasakishima was felled in combat. His contributions to the skirmish, however, proved to be the key necessary for the shogunate's victory, and so he was posthumously dubbed a 'hero'.

Although his death saddened her greatly, Makoto also felt pride as the daughter of the hero who won the battle for the dividing line. Once she came of age, Makoto, against her mother's wishes, left home to join the Yatagarasu Watchmen. On her journey there, she'd never expected to encounter a Makina pod within some shallow cavern; even less so to activate it and awaken the slumbering machine human. Dubbing the young man 'Kageoni', the pair proceeded towards the border.

Years later, Makoto now serves as a captain within the watch and Kageoni, as ever, her loyal companion.

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MAKINA

Umbral Threads Lying in Wait

Kageoni

影鬼

Alive

Male

23

5'04" (163 cm) / 119 lbs (54 kg)

Bonded Makina (Makoto Murasakishima)

Yatagarasu Watchmen

Profile

Ever loyal shadow of Makoto Murasakishima, Kageoni is a peculiar Makina with the inability to speak but is expressive through his different grunts and gestures. After joining the Yatagarasu Watchmen alongside his partner, he became the apprentice of a shinobi master where he was taught the ninjutsu fighting style and tactics. Combined with his innate powers, Kageoni proves to be a formidable fighting force among the members of the watch. His weapon is an ōdachi named Mayonaka-no-Tsuki or 'Midnight Moon'.

Parameters

Resilience: 2 / 5

Strength: 2 / 5

Speed: 5 / 5

Processing: 3 / 5

Ability: 4 / 5

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HUMAN

Arrow Flies True

Tsubasa Yashida

翼 • 矢枝田

Alive

Male

28

6'00" (183 cm) / 157 lbs (71 kg)

Yatagarasu Watch Captain; Samurai

Yatagarasu Watchmen; Kurakawa Shogunate; Samurai

Profile

Hailing from the countryside, Tsubasa was a simple hunter before being conscripted as a soldier into the Yatagarasu's rank. Needless to say, he is extremely capable with a bow as well as possessing intimate knowledge of skills needed to survive in the wilderness. He was quickly made a lieutenant within the archery unit of Yatagarasu central command. While on a scouting mission through Yomi, Tsubasa discovered a pod buried by moss next to a tree that had been struck by lightning.

When he and his team attempted to recover the object, the former inadvertently awakens the sleeping Makina within. Tsubasa always had the notion that only those of noble blood could wake a machine human so he was shocked to discover that he had the potential. Out came a young man who surprisingly looked like him very much—they could've been confused for siblings.

Swearing fealty for the newly-anointed samurai, the Makina was given the name 'Denji' after Tsubasa had heard the sounds of roaring thunder in the distance. Since acquiring his partner all those years ago, Tsubasa has since been promoted to a captain of the watch, particularly in charge of the archery division. Loyal, kind, and strong, it is said that if the commander were to ever pass, Tsubasa would be the most likely candidate for his replacement.

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MAKINA

Electrifying

Denji

電磁

Alive

Male

26

5'10" (178 cm) / 144 lbs (65 kg)

Bonded Makina (Tsubasa Yashida)

Yatagarasu Watchmen

Profile

An excitable and boisterous young man, Denji often asks himself "what would a 'hero' do?" He molds his actions and behavior around the idea of being someone heroic and he often looks to his partner, Tsubasa, as a prime model of how he should carry himself. His fascination with heroism came from reading tales upon tales of great Japanese warriors in times past. Unlike his partner who utilizes a bow primarily, Denji, himself, favors his katana that he uses in tandem with his Makina powers. Despite being a machine, his intellect and ability to process data seems even more limited than most of his kind. In comparison to other Makina, he could even be considered a bit of dullard, allowing his emotional state and raw instinct to determine the course of his actions instead.

Parameters

Resilience: 3 / 5

Strength: 4 / 5

Speed: 4 / 5

Processing: 1 / 5

Ability: 4 / 5

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HUMAN

Purveyor of Want

Botan Furuyama

牡丹 • 古山

Alive

Male

27

5'11" (180 cm) / 145 lbs (66 kg)

Guildmaster of the Kin-iro no Kopai

Kin-iro no Kopai; Yatagarasu Watchmen

Profile

A man who cares for little more than material gain with a particular interest in gold and precious gems, Botan serves as the current guildmaster for the Kin-iro no Kopai—having earned the position from winning a wager held by the previous head of the guild. Due to his exceedingly effeminate features, he is often mistaken as a woman upon first glance. Additionally, he can also mimic a feminine voice. He has no issue with using this skill combined with his looks to fool others in situations he deems necessary.

He will utilize nearly any means to get what he wants even at the expense of others. With that being said, he has proven himself as a worthy guild leader and is recognized for treating those under his employ with the utmost care and respect. To Botan, keeping his fellows happy and placated is simply another way to benefit himself as their resulting hard work will only serve to make him that much more wealthy.

He is also known for having a playful streak and tends to never really take a situation all that seriously, much to some people's annoyance. Despite being bonded with a Makina, Botan rarely if ever participates in a battle.

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MAKINA

Pleasant Spirit

Sai

才

Alive

Male

27

6'00" (183 cm) / 142 lbs (64 kg)

Bonded Makina (Botan Furuyama)

Kin-iro no Kopai

Profile

The Makina of Botan Furuyama can best be described as a tranquil presence in a sea of chaos. He exudes a calming aura and is always accompanied by a pleasant smile. Truthful, caring, and without deception—very much in contrast to his partner—Sai is a peaceful soul that avoids confrontations when possible. Even in spite of their inherent differences, Sai and Botan seem to get along perfectly. Sai is perhaps the only person that Botan trusts completely. And, because of his humble nature, Sai is completely indifferent towards material goods, allowing Botan to have a partner who isn't interested in his wealth.

Parameters

Resilience: 1 / 5

Strength: 1 / 5

Speed: 4 / 5

Processing: 5+ / 5

Ability: 4 / 5

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